Botox and filler treatments are clinically proven methods of saying goodbye to fine lines and wrinkles, as well as shallow crevices on your face. Performed by a highly skilled skincare specialist or physician, both act as a tool in the defense against the aging process.
As cosmetic treatments, using Botox and fillers are alternatives to invasive surgery procedures. This article will uncover the benefits, risks, side effects, and aftercare of both dermal fillers and Botox to help you decide which option is best for you.
What Is Botox & How Does It Work?
Thanks to Hollywood movies and television shows, Botox is a popular method to combat the signs of aging. Created with the botulinum toxin that is obtained from bacteria, Botox can be safely used to treat wrinkles.
When Botox is injected in the face, the nerve signals within the muscles are blocked, causing the muscle itself to become frozen or paralyzed. Botox is a temporary measure to soften the deep lines that form across the face.
What Is Botox Commonly Used For?
This form of anti-aging treatment targets dynamic wrinkles. Commonly referred to as expression lines, dynamic wrinkles are found between the brows, along the forehead, and those crow’s feet lines near the eyes.
Botox is also used as a treatment plan for migraines, excessive sweating, eye twitching, lazy eye conditions, and a range of neurological conditions that affect muscle contractions. Speak to a specialist at a Botox clinic in Brampton to see what other areas or conditions can effectively be treated with Botox.
What Are Fillers & How Do They Work?
Fillers referred to a type of substances injected beneath the skin surface to increase volume or fullness. Various substances used include calcium hydroxylapatite, hyaluronic acid, polyalkylimide, polylactic acid, or polymethyl-methacrylate microspheres (PMMA).
As a cosmetic treatment for enhancing the skin’s appearance, a filler treatment targets areas where collagen has been lost. The lips, jawbone, cheeks, and the nose are the most commonly treated facial features.
What Are Fillers Commonly Used For?
Dermal fillers are used to soften any shadows or wrinkles under the eyes, static wrinkles, and recessed scares. Any wrinkles and fine lines developed due to a loss of collagen and elastin are known as static wrinkles. These are seen on the neck, jowl area, and on the cheeks.
The fillers can help plump the lips, fill in any shallow areas, and address wrinkles around the mouth and cheeks, as well.
The Differences Between Botox & Fillers
Characteristics | Botox | Fillers |
Safety | Very safe when performed by experienced board-certified dermatologists or skincare specialists. | Very safe when performed by experienced board-certified dermatologists or skincare specialists. |
Uses | Paralyzing facial muscles | Filling in volume loss |
Risks | Pain, swelling or bruising at the injection site Headache or flu-like symptoms Droopy eyelid or cockeyed eyebrows Crooked smile or drooling Eye dryness or excessive tearing Muscle weakness Vision problems Trouble speaking or swallowing Breathing problems Loss of bladder control | Acne-like skin eruptions Asymmetry Bleeding from the injection site Bruising Damage to the skin that results in a wound and possible scarring Infection at the injection site Lumps Palpability of the filler under the surface of the skin Skin necrosis Skin rash with itching Skin redness Swelling Under- or over-correction of wrinkles |
Treatment Convenience | 15 minutes | Up to 30 mins |
Cost | Varies depending on how many areas on the face are being treated | Depends on the type of filler, and the location on the face |
Pain | Mild Pain | Discomfort |
Age to Start Treatments | Mid- to late 20s and early 30s | After late 20s or early 30s. |
Timeline for Visible Results | 3 to 5 days | Immediately visible |
How Long Does It Last? (Duration Result) | 3 to 4 months for the first treatment 6 months for the second treatment | 8 to 12 months |
Side Effects | Bruising Drooping eyelids Headaches | Bruising Infection Itching Numbness Redness Scarring Sores |
Pre/Post Botox and Fillers Treatment
For filler and Botox treatments in Brampton, there are several pre- and post-treatment recommendations to ensure the best results from either form of injection. Always avoid excessive sun exposure and use sunscreen daily. It is recommended to have a small meal or snack before either appointment.
Botox
Botox specialists advise to avoid using non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAID), aspirin, fish oil, Vitamin E, and St. John’s Wort for 7 to 10 days before treatment. Refrain from consuming alcoholic beverages at least 24 hours before receiving Botox injections.
On the day of your Botox treatment, avoid tweezing, waxing, bleaching, and hair removal products.
After your Botox treatment, use the injected muscles by performing facial exercises and avoid any form of facial treatments and saunas on the same day. It’s recommended that you avoid touching the area for the following two to four hours. Makeup can be applied soon after the session is completed.
Fillers
Before your filler treatment, avoid the use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAID), aspirin, fish oil, Vitamin E, and St. John’s Wort for 7 to 10 days prior and five days post treatment. Speak to your physician to see if it is safe to avoid prescription blood thinners for these days as well. Postpone any dental appointments for the two weeks prior and after the filler treatment session.
After a filler treatment, wait at least three hours before applying makeup and avoid strenuous exercise for the first 48 hours. Avoid touching the affected areas for at least six hours.
Book an Appointment at Heart Lake Aesthetics for Botox & Fillers
If you are wondering if you are a good candidate for Botox vs. filler treatments or whether you can have both treatments performed together (good news—you can!), contact the skincare specialists at Heart Lake Aesthetics. We have a team of certified medical aestheticians to help you discover the beauty of your skin. All of our skincare treatments are done by state-of-the-art technology. Call us today!
